Delhi Records Hottest Day: Heat Wave Likely During This Week
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi crossed 43°C for the first time this season.
- Safdarjung recorded 43.4°C while Pitampura and Ridge crossed 44°C.
- Hot northwesterly winds are likely to trigger intense loo conditions.
- Delhi temperatures may touch or exceed 45°C in the coming days.
Delhi temperature breached 43°C for the first time this season. The base station at Safdarjung recorded a daytime high of 43.4°C, about 3°C above normal. Pitampura and Ridge stations crossed the 44°C mark, making them the hottest locations in the Delhi region. Lodhi Road recorded a high of 43.8°C, nearly 4.8°C above normal, and registered heat wave conditions. The night temperature was also significantly high at 28.2°C, the highest so far this month. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to rise further across Delhi/NCR today, with the maximum temperature likely to touch or exceed the 45°C mark.
There is no major weather system in close proximity to Delhi. Dry and hot northwesterly winds will sweep across the region through the day. Surface winds are expected to strengthen during the afternoon hours. High temperatures along with strong winds will trigger “loo” conditions across most parts of the national capital.
Delhi has crossed the 45°C mark on several occasions in May in recent years. Every alternate year — 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 — recorded temperatures above 45°C, with the highest being 46.8°C on May 30, 2024. Weather conditions are expected to remain dry and hot throughout the week. The possibility of any thunderstorm or dust storm activity to ease the heat appears bleak. Heat accumulation will continue over the next few days. With more than ten days still remaining in the month, Delhi may even challenge the scorching 46°C mark once again. Heat wave conditions are likely across most parts of Delhi, with severe heat at isolated pockets during this period.
